Senior Avionics Test & Launch Operations Lead

HBCUNetwork; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Healthcare benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer–Avionics to drive end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. Based at Wallops Island, VA, you will lead avionics teams, oversee console operations, and shape operational procedures and training programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, development of CONOPS, test planning, and incident resolution during critical launch campaigns, with a focus on integrating avionics hardware and flight

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software systems and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management and team leadership.
• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies.
• Conduct post‑test and post‑launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions.
• Lead structured root‑cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies.
• Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Avionics systems experience

Leadership

Mission Control operations

System troubleshooting

Operational readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering or other technical field

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer–Avionics to drive end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. Based at Wallops Island, VA, you will lead avionics teams, oversee console operations, and shape operational procedures and training programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, development of CONOPS, test planning, and incident resolution during critical launch campaigns, with a focus on integrating avionics hardware and flight